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South Africa Border Crossing Guide

1. Passport and Visas

South African passport holders resident to South Africa do not require a visa to visit Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. However, should you be travelling with an emergency travel document, other than your South African passport, for one or other reason you will require a visa to enter Botswana. Visa applications can be made to the Botswana Consulate in Braamfontein: TEL +27(0) 11 403 3748

2. Driver’s License

The South African driver’s license is recognised in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.

3. International Driver’s Permit

Although not compulsory this is recommended for everyone driving in foreign countries.

4. ZA Sticker

If you’re travelling from South Africa across borders vehicles should bear a ZA sticker which designates that they are foreign vehicles from South Africa. AA Accredited Sales Agent stores and outdoor retailers like Safari Centre will have them available for purchase.

5. White and Red Reflective Tape

In Zimbabwe – two small white rectangular size strips on the right and left hand side of the front bumper, as well as two small red square strips on the right and left hand side of the rear bumper is required. If towing a trailer, two small red square strips on the right and left hand side of the rear bumper are required.

6. Yellow and Blue Mozambique Warning Triangle

In Mozambique a set of two yellow and blue warning triangle stickers are required if towing a trailer; one in the front of the vehicle (on the bumper) and one on the rear of the trailer.

7. Vehicle Registration/Vehicle License Papers

A certified copy of vehicle registration/vehicle license papers is acceptable at the border posts. Must be accompanied with a letter from the bank giving you the authorisation to take the vehicle across the border, and must indicate dates. Both the bank letter and license papers should be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths. If you are not the registered owner of the vehicle, please carry an affidavit from the police giving you authorisation from the financial institution/owner to take the vehicle abroad.

8. Police Clearance Certificate

A Police Clearance Certificate may be required if travelling through the Chirundu Border Post of Zimbabwe, both for vehicles and trailers.

9. Letter of authority

If you are travelling in a rented car or 4×4 across borders, you have to have a letter from the rental company giving you permission to take the vehicle out of the country. You do not need police clearance for this.

Vehicle and Border Post info:

Namibia-South Africa Border Crossings

The road users’ fee is R220 for a normal car with an additional amount of R140 for a trailer or a camper

You can pay with South African rands, Namibian dollars or a credit card

We strongly advise that you take cash in case the card machines are offline

Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD)

Namibia Border Posts

Namibia Border Post

South Africa Border Post

Opening Hours

Contact Number

GPS Coordinates

Oranjemund

Alexander Bay

06:00 – 22:00

+27(0) 831 1662

28.5647°S 16.5036°E

Sendelingsdrift

Sendelingsdrift

8:00 – 17:00

+27(0) 831 2203

28.1227°S 16.8889°E

Noordoewer

Vioolsdrift

24 hrs

+27(0) 761 8760

28.7656°S 17.6262°E

Vellorsdrift

Onseepkans

08:00-17:00

+27(0) 549 51 0014

28.7345°S 19.3056°E

Ariamsvlei

Nakop

24 hrs

+27(0) 54571 0008

28.0949°S 19.9992°E

Klein Menasse

Rietfontein

08:00-16:30

+27(0) 54531 0084

26.7564°S 19.9992°E

Botswana-South Africa Border Crossings

Road Transport Permit – P40 (Pula) +- R44

National Road Safety – P20 – valid for a calendar year (up to 31 December) P20 will also be charged on a trailer

Swaziland-South Africa Border Crossings

Third-Party Insurance – included in the fuel price; no document required

Road Tax – R50 payable for vehicles, 14% tax charged on goods brought in for personal use with no charge on the first R1 000; charge is applicable on an excess of R1 000 and is non-refundable.

Currency: Lilangeni (SZL)

Swaziland Border Posts

Swaziland Border Post

South Africa Border Post

Opening Hours

Contact Number

GPS Coordinates

Mananga

Mananga

07:00-18:00

+27(0) 13790 7075

25.9331°S 31.7613°E

Matsamo

Jeppe’s Reef

07:00-20:00

+27(0) 13781 0382

25.7507°S 31.4676°E

Bulembu

Josefsdal

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 13712 3891

25.9446°S 31.1215°E

Ngwenya

Oshoek

07:00-22:00

+27(0) 17882 0138/9

26.2125°S 30.9892°E

Lundzi

Waverley

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 17819 5763

26.3275°S 30.8885°E

Sandlane

Nerston

08:00-18:00

+27(0) 17846 9207

26.5697°S 30.7918°E

Sicunusa

Emahlathini

08:00-18:00

+27(0) 17826 0941

26.8605°S 30.9084°E

Gege

Bothashoop

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 17826 0400

26.9737°S 30.9684°E

Mahamba

Mahamba

07:00-22:00

+27(0) 17826 0076

27.1055°S 31.0691°E

Salitje

Onverwacht

08:00-18:00

+27(0) 34413 1380

27.3162°S 31.6438°E

Golela

Lavumisa

07:00-22:00

+27(0) 34435 1070

27.3172°S 31.8884°E

Lesotho-South Africa Border Crossings

Toll fees – determined by the weight of your vehicle. +-R30

Currency: Loti (LSL)

Lesotho Border Posts

Lesotho Border Post

South Africa Border Post

Opening Hours

Contact Number

GPS Coordinates

Maseru Bridge

Maseru Bridge

24 hrs

+27(0) 51 924 4300

29.2980°S 27.4546°E

Peka Bridge

Peka Bride

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 51 933 3951

28.9450°S 27.7344°E

Maputsoe

Ficksburg Bridge

24 hrs

+27(0) 51 933 2760

28.8839°S 27.8903°E

Caledonspoort

Caledonspoort

06:00-22:00

+27(0) 58 223 8400

28.6948°S 28.2339°E

Montansa Pass

Montansa Pass

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 58 713 1600

28.5902°S 28.6826°E

Sani Pass

Sani Pass

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 33 702 1169

29.5847°S 29.2863°E

Ramatsilitso

Ramatsilitso

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 39 256 4443

30.0502°S 28.9339°E

Qacha’s Nek

Quacha’s Nek

06:00-10:00

+27(0) 39 256 4391

30.1297°S 28.6856°E

Ongeluksnek

Ongeluksnek

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 39 256 7001

30.3383°S 28.2519°E

Tele Bridge

Tele bridge

06:00-22:00

+27(0) 51 611 1710

30.4319°S 27.5673°E

Makhaleng Bridge

Makhaleng Bridge

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 51 673 1484

30.1641°S 27.3996°E

Sepapus Gate

Sepapus Gate

08:00-16:00

+27(0) 52 332, ask for 190

29.9476°S 27.1993°E

Van Rooyen’s Gate

Van Rooyen’s Gate

06:00-22:00

+27(0) 51 583 1525

29.7560°S 27.1091°E

Above: Lesotho border post. Photo by: Mark Turner

Quick Border Post Tips:

Border posts can be daunting, confusing and may even frustrate you but no worries, follow these tips and you will sail on through with no problems.

1. Make a folder for all your important documents to prevent unnecessary loss and stress.

2. Get all your documents in order ready to hand in to the border official.

3. Be patient and smile – always be polite and co-operate, this will help make the procedure go smoothly without annoying the person who has the power to give you access.

4. Ask for the maximum amount of days possible – you could end up stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre and not be able to return in time.

5. Don’t overstay your time; this will lead to problems at the border when trying to leave.

6. Make sure your passport has enough empty pages for the necessary stamps.

7. Keep a few pens with you, there are never enough at the border posts, it will help you fill out the paperwork faster without having to wait.Now go enjoy your travels on the roads of Africa!

Guest post author:

Jezemae Cogan harbours a passion for exploring her home country of South Africa and beyond. With an eagerness to write, Jezemae enjoys capturing and sharing, moments and information gathered from her adventures, with fellow travellers. Working for Discover South Africa, Jezamae has the opportunity to do what she loves as her 9 to 5.

If you’re interested in traveling through South Africa this holiday, book a vehicle with car hire South Africa.